Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
5
pubmed:dateCreated
1994-8-25
pubmed:abstractText
Vigabatrin was designed to increase the levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. It does this by replacing GABA as a substrate for the action of the catabolic enzyme GABA-transaminase. As a result of this inhibition, neuronal GABA levels are elevated, resulting in enhanced endogenous GABA transmission. A number of clinical trials assessing the effect of vigabatrin in epilepsy have been completed. Vigabatrin is of proven benefit in partial seizures and secondarily generalised tonic clonic seizures, and it is licensed for use as adjunctive therapy in these conditions in several European countries. It has been shown to be effective in some epilepsy syndromes in children including West's syndrome, infantile spasms and cryptogenic partial seizures. Its effect on primary generalised tonic clonic seizures is variable, while there is considerable evidence that it has a deleterious effect on myoclonic and absence seizures. There have been a few reports of the benefits of vigabatrin in other neurological disorders including tardive dyskinesia, degenerative ataxias and GABA metabolism disorders. The adverse effects associated with vigabatrin are similar to those seen with other anticonvulsants, with a predominance of CNS effects including somnolence, fatigue, irritability, dizziness and headache. Psychiatric symptoms including depression and psychosis are seen in a small number of patients and cause the most problems. These often necessitate discontinuation of vigabatrin, which usually results in resolution of symptoms.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
May
pubmed:issn
0114-5916
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
10
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
395-405
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1994
pubmed:articleTitle
A risk-benefit assessment of vigabatrin in the treatment of neurological disorders.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review